Sunshine Coast Leaders Explore New Solutions to Homelessness
The Sunshine Coast is a place we all love for its beaches, hinterland towns, and close-knit communities. But like many regions, we’re facing a challenge that can’t be ignored: homelessness. In Nambour, the number of people sleeping rough has doubled in recent times, raising both safety concerns and a strong call for action.
Recently, Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, together with Councillor David Law, council officers, and community representatives, visited Common Ground in South Brisbane—a nationally recognised model of supportive housing. Their visit marked the start of an important conversation about whether this approach could be adapted here on the Coast.
What is Common Ground?
At first glance, Common Ground looks like any other apartment building. But behind its doors is something different: a housing-first model designed to help people rebuild their lives.
Residents live in small, self-contained one-bedroom apartments and share access to community spaces, including a garden. On the ground floor are services that provide daily support—covering health, safety, and tenancy needs. The idea is simple but powerful: by pairing stable housing with wrap-around care, people are given the foundation they need to move forward.
Why It Matters for Our Communities
Mayor Natoli put it clearly:
“We know that people living along our creek beds and living in tents and on our dunes and foreshores is not something that we, as a society, accept.”
For towns like Nambour, this isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about restoring dignity, improving safety, and strengthening community life. Councillor David Law added that he was encouraged to see these issues receiving the attention they deserve, while Mr Hunt confirmed that both local and state governments are committed to finding solutions.
Building a Caring Coast
Beyond bricks and mortar, initiatives like this speak to the values that make the Sunshine Coast special—care, connection, and community spirit. While 52 new social and affordable homes are already being built across the Coast (with another 25 planned for the Nicklin electorate), leaders recognise that long-term solutions also mean providing the right support alongside housing.
Looking Ahead
As conversations continue, one thing is clear: homelessness is not just a housing issue, it’s a community one. Exploring new models like Common Ground is a step toward ensuring the Sunshine Coast remains a region where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Because at the heart of every great place to live, it’s not just about homes—it’s about people.
